Thread by @shaunjlawson

It's a long way off yet, of course - but just looking at possible finals:

Italy v Denmark - Italy owe the Danes one for what happened in 2004 (the 2-2 v Sweden which put the Azzurri out)

Spain v Denmark - the Danes owe Spain like you would not believe. It's a curse, a jinx

Everyone remembers that sensational Danish team of the mid-80s: probably the closest thing international football's seen to the Dutch of the 70s.

Denmark rampaged their way through Euro 84... until a dull, sterile Spanish side lucky to be there stopped them on pens in the semis.

Then came '86 - when Denmark were brilliant in qualifying (if you ever get the chance, check out their 4-2 win v the USSR in 1985: an absolutely sensational display), won all three group games (including 6-1 v Uruguay and 2-0 v West Germany), while Spain flattered to deceive.

Denmark were expected by everyone to reach at least the semis. They took the lead v Spain, everything was fine... until Jesper Olsen fatefully, insouciantly passed the ball across his own box, and Emilio Butragueno pounced.

The result? Spain 5 Denmark 1. Extraordinary.

At Euro 88, Denmark were far too old and Spain weren't any good either. Yet Spain still won 3-2.

Euro 92 remains the one tournament Spain didn't qualify for in the last 40-plus years. So naturally, Denmark won the whole damn thing!

And then, USA 94. The most painful cut of all for Danes everywhere.

Two qualified from three out of European Champions Denmark, Spain, and Jack Charlton's Ireland. But Denmark started slowly, drew several games 0-0 and dropped crucial points.

But eureka! At last they beat Spain - 1-0 in Copenhagen - and it was the Spaniards who were in desperate trouble as they headed to Dublin to face an Irish side who'd been making qualification look like a breeze.

Cue three Spain goals in 20 minutes. Incredible.

All of which meant Ireland knew they had to get at least a draw in, of all places, Belfast - at of all times, when The Troubles were at their absolute worst - but if they only drew, Spain and Denmark could both qualify with a draw in Seville.

And Ireland did only draw.

But in that debacle v Spain, they pulled one goal back later on. Which was anything but a consolation. It was the goal that took them to the US. On goals scored.

Denmark, who only missed out on Italia 90 on goal difference, now went out on goals scored. And why?

Because despite Andoni Zubizaretta being sent off early on in Seville, poor Denmark could not take advantage.

They had chance after chance after chance - but Santiago Canizares had the game OF HIS LIFE. And Hierro nicked it for the hosts. How they won that game was a miracle.

All that was on the same night as:

- Bulgaria knocked out France in the very last minute in Paris

- Paul Bodin missed THAT penalty for Wales v Romania

- England conceded THAT goal in San Marino

Probably the greatest, most dramatic night of World Cup qualifying ever.

But if ever any Danish side had the mentality to end the curse, it's this one. Nothing phases them; their unity is sublime.

Of course, Denmark have to reach the final first. And Spain have to get past Italy first. A mighty mighty task.

Who's Spain's manager? Luis Enrique. What happened to Luis Enrique v Italy in the 1994 World Cup quarter-finals?

THIS HAPPENED

The officials saw nothing, and Italy went through. Just another of many, many awful injustices suffered by Spain during that era (England at Euro 96 was another, and 2002 was the ultimate corrupt disgrace).

But he'll remember it. And it'll inspire him - and then some.

Of course, it could yet be the Czechs in the semis 🤣🤣🤣

This tournament is something else.